US Patent 7772218 Synthesis of anti-estrogenic and other therapeutic steroids from 21-hydroxy-19-norpregna-4-en-3-one

Syntheses of steroids such as 3-hydroxy-7α-methyl-21-[2′-methoxy-4′-(diethylaminomethyl)-phenoxy]-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10)triene citrate (“SR 16234”) and analogs thereof are provided, wherein 21-hydroxy-19-norpregna-4-en-3-one serves as a starting material or intermediate. The latter compound may be readily prepared from estrone-3-methyl ether. Certain intermediates in these syntheses also have value as therapeutic agents, for example in the treatment of prostate disorders such as prostatic cancer.